My Take: Iron Hill's sudden closing

 This decision was very "corporate" in nature, with three Iron Hills closing at the same time.

Decades ago, Iron Hill's former flagship location was a pioneer in the dramatic turnaround on a fading Main Street in Newark. Its dining and craft beer offerings were a good fit for non-students.

As they say in the real estate business, the issue of "location, location,  location" emerged as Main Street evolved. We can also add "parking, parking, parking" to the list.

Iron Hill was lucky enough to have a small parking area. However, spaces were quickly filled during peak periods. City lots are a short distance away, but let's face it, many people aren't crazy about walking a couple of blocks to their vehicle.

Iron Hill, which had grown into a regional chain, wasn't shy about discussing the impact of parking on its business and had previously indicated that it might not stick around.

The company went on to open one of its most successful restaurants on the Wilmington Riverfront, with the city serving as the company's headquarters for a time. Iron Hill is now based in Exton, possibly due to the Delaware  General Assembly's decision to nix plans for a fourth brewery in the state. The current brewery limit is three for some mysterious reason.

Thanks to the area's traffic patterns, travel times to the riverfront and its ample parking often match those of a trip down Newark’s Main Street. 

Parking wasn't the only issue. Iron Hill's concept had grown tired over the years. Regional and national chains have largely disappeared.

Hyperlocal breweries sprang up throughout the area, catering to craft beer lovers, with food trucks often available for those with a craving for something to eat. Others evolved and added dining rooms.

Also, the 25 to 45 age group was moving on to distilled beverages or opting for an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Iron Hill was also late to the game in rolling out popular offerings such as brunch. 

You could always get a good meal and friendly service at Iron Hill, but these days, an increasing number of diners are seeking something more exciting.

Worse yet, Newark's Main Street never achieved the "critical mass" of restaurants that appeal to non-students, who in other towns might decide to take a stroll and pick out a dining spot. Others  will dispute that notion  and point to multiple opportunities for a nice meal.

Then came COVID-19, and aftereffects that continue to this day in the form of inflation and soaring wholesale food costs, as well as an increasing number of people opting for carryout or delivery.

Payroll protection grants and loans provided a lifeline, but also delayed tough decisions.

Iron Hill has trimmed its number of locations from 20 to 16, following its retreat from Atlanta and the closing of another Delaware Valley location. It has seen success in Philadelphia, a tough market.

It will be interesting to see if Iron Hill's new CEO, who pulled the trigger on recent closings, can follow through on his bold claims that the trio of restaurant closings is tied to long-term growth plans.  - Doug Rainey, chief content officer.